The 10 Most Visionary Tech Leaders Creating Global Impact, 2025

1. Vol 03 | issue no 03 | 2025 IN FOCUS 10 The Tech Visionaries Revolutionizing Artificial Intelligence and Automation Visionary Tech Leaders Creating Global Impact, 2025 Most IN FOCUS The Role of Tech CEOs in Shaping the Digital Economy Shankar www.ciobusinessworld.com Pioneering Innovation in Cloud and AI Integration Narayanan

4. Editor in chief Robert Patrick Contents Managing Editor : Smith Collins Design Visualizer : Jack Thomas Arts & Design Director : Adam Jones Associate Designer : Erick Williams Sales Senior Sales Manager : Scott M Marketing Manager : Andrew T Sales Executive : Mark Davis Technical Victor Anderson SME- SMO Research Analyst : Henry Martinez SEO Executive : Daniel Lee Circulation Manager Alexander Nelson Follow us : www.ciobusinessworld.com

6. Shaping the Future: The 10 Most Visionary Tech Leaders Creating Global Impact in 2025 T heart of this revolution are visionaries—leaders who aren’t just following trends but setting them. These pioneers are tackling some of the biggest global challenges, from advancing AI-driven healthcare to making financial systems more inclusive, secure, and efficient. echnology is evolving faster than ever, transforming the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. At the In this exclusive feature, we shine a spotlight on The 10 Most Visionary Tech Leaders Creating Global Impact in 2025. These individuals are not just tech experts—they are changemakers, shaping industries and driving innovation that benefits us all. What Makes a Tech Leader Truly Visionary? Being a leader in tech is about more than just having the latest innovations at your fingertips. It’s about having the foresight to anticipate change, the courage to take risks, and the determination to make technology work for the greater good. These are the qualities that set our featured leaders apart: edge solutions to solve real-world problems. ✅ Global Impact Makers: Their work transcends industries and borders, making a difference in communities worldwide. ✅ Ethical and Responsible Leaders: They prioritize inclusivity, security, and ethical AI to ensure technology serves humanity. ✅ Forward Thinkers: They don’t just react to change; they predict and create it. ✅ Sustainability Advocates: Many of these visionaries are integrating green tech into their innovations to build a better future. ✅ Innovators at Heart: Whether it’s AI, blockchain, or automation, they embrace cutting- The Power of Technology in 2025

7. From the Editor’s Desk leaders, we recognize that this is just the beginning. The future of technology will be shaped by those who dare to think differently, challenge the status quo, and use innovation as a tool for positive change. industry operations. • Blockchain and Fintech: Revolutionizing payments, security, and financial inclusion. Join us as we dive into their stories, explore their groundbreaking contributions, and witness how they are shaping the future of technology—one bold idea at a time. From AI-powered healthcare to fintech solutions transforming the global economy, we are living in a time of groundbreaking advancements. Here’s how technology is making waves this year: • Cloud and Cybersecurity: Ensuring safe, seamless digital experiences. • Sustainable Tech: Leveraging innovation to tackle climate challenges and drive clean energy solutions. • AI and Automation: Enhancing everything from medical diagnostics to Looking Ahead As we celebrate these extraordinary

8. CONTENTS 12. Shankar Narayanan

9. Navigating the Maze of Data Security with Innovation and Integrity 22 Articial Intelligence: 26 Balancing Cybersecurity Risks and Defenses 32 Articial Intelligence or Human Intelligence? The Evolution And Distinction Of AGV And AMR Concepts In Mobile Robotics 36 Tech Visionaries Revolutionizing Artificial Intelligence and Automation 42 The Role of Tech CEOs in Shaping the Digital Economy 44

12. C O V E R S T O R Y Shankar Pioneering Innovation in Cloud and AI Integration Narayanan S hankar Narayanan's journey in technology has been nothing short of extraordinary. His deep-rooted passion for innovation, problem-solving, and continuous learning has propelled him to the forefront of the cloud and AI industry. Today, as the Principal and Lead for the Snowflake Platform ISV team at Microsoft, he is shaping the future of enterprise data solutions by fostering strategic partnerships and building cutting-edge integrations that redefine business transformation. 12 | MARCH 2025 www.ciobusinessworld.com

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14. C O V E R S T O R Y A Journey Defined by Passion, Innovation, and Leadership Atos (now Eviden). Working across 100+ customers in various industries, he developed a deep understanding of large-scale data and AI solutions, seamlessly bridging product innovation with enterprise consulting. His story, however, begins much earlier. At just 16 years old, Shankar earned his first Microsoft certification in Windows Server 2003, a milestone that set the tone for a lifetime of professional development and technical mastery. Over the years, he has obtained more than 25 certifications spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, and distributed systems. This early foundation nurtured what he describes as "engineering curiosity"—the relentless drive to deconstruct systems, enhance them, and rebuild them with greater efficiency and scalability. Today, at Microsoft, Shankar leads the Snowflake Platform ISV team, where he collaborates with strategic partners such as Snowflake to develop next-generation integrations and cloud solutions that empower enterprises to leverage AI-driven analytics and data transformation at scale. Overcoming Challenges: A Testament to Resilience and Adaptability His professional journey began during his undergraduate years when he took the leap into entrepreneurship, founding a startup dedicated to building websites and applications. This hands-on experience not only deepened his understanding of technology but also provided crucial insights into business strategy, product development, and market demands. Shankar's journey to leadership has been defined by overcoming significant challenges and adapting to an ever-evolving technological landscape. Bridging the Gap Between Technical and Business Expertise technical innovation with business strategy, ensuring that his solutions drive tangible business outcomes. One of the most critical transitions in his career was shifting from a purely technical mindset to a leadership role that demanded an understanding of market dynamics, revenue models, and stakeholder management. Through extensive collaboration with enterprise customers and strategic partners, he honed the ability to align As his career progressed, he played a key role in scaling Visual BI, contributing significantly to product development and consulting in Data & AI solutions. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in the company's successful acquisition by Scaling Teams and Driving Adoption Scaling high-growth teams in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings presented another challenge. At " My journey in technology and leadership has been driven by a deep passion for innovation and problem-solving.” 14 | MARCH 2025 www.ciobusinessworld.com

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17. C O V E R S T O R Y Building and Managing a High- Impact Team: Leadership Through Empathy and Innovation Microsoft, he successfully built the Snowflake ISV Partner team from the ground up, navigating internal complexities and aligning multiple stakeholders to ensure seamless product adoption and customer success. Shankar's leadership philosophy is built on the principle of "empathy as a technical strategy." He firmly believes that effective leadership begins with active listening—not just to verbalized needs but also to the unspoken competencies revealed through work artifacts. His approach to building a high-performing team includes several core elements: " My work is not just about building technology— it's about empowering businesses, developers, and enterprises to embrace AI and cloud solutions efficiently.” Keeping Pace with a Rapidly Evolving Industry Cloud computing, AI, and data analytics are advancing at an unprecedented rate. Staying ahead requires relentless learning and adaptation. Shankar actively engages in research, authors technical blogs, contributes to industry communities, and mentors startups. His commitment to staying at the cutting edge of technology has not only enabled him to keep up with advancements but also positioned him as a key influencer in the field. 1. Establishing a Clear Vision and Purpose A motivated team thrives on a shared vision. Shankar ensures that his team at Microsoft understands how their work—whether in engineering, partnerships, or revenue generation—aligns with the company's larger mission of digital transformation and AI-driven innovation. Setting clear objectives and key results (OKRs) ensures that every team member has a well-defined path toward success while staying aligned with strategic goals. Building Thought Leadership and Credibility Establishing credibility in the industry demanded consistent contributions—whether through publications, open-source projects, or speaking engagements at flagship conferences like Snowflake Summit, Microsoft Ignite, and SAP TechEd. A major milestone in his journey was co- authoring “The Ultimate Guide to Snowpark,” the first and only book on Snowpark, further solidifying his position as a thought leader in AI and data engineering. 2. Fostering Ownership and Autonomy Empowering team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work is crucial. Shankar encourages a results-driven approach where individuals have the freedom to experiment and innovate while staying aligned with organizational objectives. This culture of trust enables his team to solve complex problems independently and drive meaningful innovation. Despite these challenges, Shankar has embraced every opportunity to drive innovation, build high-impact teams, and contribute to the broader tech ecosystem. His focus remains on enabling businesses to harness AI and cloud technologies effectively, transforming data into actionable business value. 3. Investing in Continuous Learning With technology evolving rapidly, continuous learning is essential. Shankar actively promotes upskilling MARCH 2025 | 17 www.ciobusinessworld.com

18. C O V E R S T O R Y 7. Prioritizing Employee Well- Being Community, and speaking at global conferences. through certifications, hackathons, knowledge-sharing sessions, and mentorship programs. Having personally earned 25+ certifications, he understands the value of structured learning and encourages his team to engage with technical communities, attend conferences, and contribute to open-source projects. Sustainable high performance requires a healthy work-life balance. Shankar advocates for setting realistic expectations, encouraging time off, and fostering a supportive work environment to prevent burnout and maintain team engagement. Open-Source Innovation: Developing the first open-source AI toolkit for Snowflake, enabling rapid AI experimentation and deployment. A AI Research & Development: Working on autonomous AI agents and responsible AI frameworks to ensure ethical AI adoption. 4. Leading by Example and Ensuring Accessibility 8. Git-First Hiring Protocol: A Unique Approach to Recruitment Leadership isn't just about directives—it's about active participation. Shankar remains hands- on in discussions, from technical brainstorming to customer strategy and product innovation. He fosters an open-door communication culture where team members feel comfortable sharing challenges and new ideas, reinforcing a strong feedback loop for continuous improvement. Shankar's work is not just about building technology—it's about empowering businesses, developers, and enterprises to harness AI and cloud solutions effectively. By combining enterprise transformation, open-source innovation, and thought leadership, he is shaping the future of AI-driven business solutions and inspiring the next generation of technology leaders. Shankar's hiring philosophy prioritizes practical skills over formal credentials. His "Git-First Hiring Protocol" evaluates candidates based on their GitHub repositories, real-time code reviews, and hands-on problem- solving assessments, ensuring that his team consists of highly skilled and impact-driven individuals. Impacting the Tech Industry: Innovation, Thought Leadership, and AI Advancements Final Thoughts 5. Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements Shankar Narayanan's journey from a young tech enthusiast to a recognized industry leader is a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation, learning, and leadership. As he continues to drive AI and cloud transformation at Microsoft, his impact on the industry remains profound. His legacy is one of resilience, visionary leadership, and an unyielding passion for shaping the future of technology. Shankar's influence on the tech industry extends far beyond his leadership at Microsoft. His expertise in developing deep integrations between Snowflake and Microsoft Azure has helped enterprises maximize the value of both platforms, enabling AI-driven analytics, cloud efficiencies, and large-scale data transformations. Acknowledging accomplishments is a key driver of motivation. Shankar ensures that individual and team successes—whether a product launch, a customer win, or an innovative solution—are recognized and celebrated through internal awards, leadership acknowledgments, and industry spotlights. 6. Encouraging Collaboration Across Functions Some of his key contributions include: This interview reflects the personal views and experiences of Shankar Narayanan SGS. Neither Microsoft nor Snowflake participated in its creation or endorsement. All trademarks, service marks, and logos mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Cross-functional collaboration is essential for success in large organizations. At Microsoft, Shankar breaks down silos by organizing regular sync-ups across engineering, product management, sales, and partnerships to ensure seamless alignment and idea exchange. Enterprise AI & Cloud Transformation: Assisting 100+ enterprises in adopting AI and cloud solutions that enhance business value. Thought Leadership: Authoring "The Ultimate Guide to Snowpark," contributing to Microsoft Tech 18 | MARCH 2025 www.ciobusinessworld.com

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43. Tech Visionaries Revolutionizing Artificial Intelligence and Automation T advancements that are revolutionizing industries and everyday life. These leaders are pushing the boundaries of AI, machine learning, and robotics, making automation smarter, more efficient, and accessible. Their innovations are not only transforming businesses but also redefining how societies function, enhancing productivity, and driving economic progress. optimize investment strategies, detect fraud, and enhance customer service. Firms such as JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock utilize AI for data-driven decision-making, reducing risks and improving efficiency.Manufacturing: AI-powered robots and smart automation systems are making production more precise and cost- effective. Companies like Boston Dynamics and Siemens integrate AI- driven robotics to improve productivity and safety in industrial settings. companies like Google and Microsoft are focusing on creating fair and explainable AI systems. industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail. ech visionaries are reshaping artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, driving Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostics, robotic-assisted surgeries, and personalized treatment plans are improving patient care. Companies like Google Health and IBM Watson Health use AI to analyze vast medical datasets, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses. The Future of AI and Automation As AI continues to evolve, new breakthroughs in quantum computing, neural networks, and human-AI collaboration will drive its progress even further. The integration of AI with emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will enhance its capabilities, leading to smarter and more connected systems. Finance: AI-driven algorithms help Key Innovators in AI and Automation The role of visionary leaders will be critical in ensuring AI’s development benefits humanity rather than replacing human potential. As automation reshapes economies, collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions will be essential in preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future. Visionary figures like Elon Musk (Tesla, OpenAI), Sundar Pichai (Google, DeepMind), and Jensen Huang (NVIDIA) are at the forefront of AI innovation. Musk has played a crucial role in AI development, from Tesla's self-driving technology to OpenAI's ethical AI research. Pichai has guided Google and DeepMind to major breakthroughs in natural language processing and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Meanwhile, Huang has led NVIDIA in creating powerful GPUs that fuel deep learning and AI applications across multiple sectors. Conclusion Ethical Challenges in AI Development Tech visionaries are at the heart of AI and automation's rapid evolution, driving groundbreaking innovations while addressing ethical and societal challenges. Their efforts are transforming industries, improving efficiencies, and shaping the future of work. As AI continues to advance, these leaders will be instrumental in ensuring that technology and humanity progress together, maximizing AI’s benefits while minimizing its risks. While AI has the potential to bring great benefits, it also raises ethical concerns. Issues like job displacement, data privacy, and bias in AI algorithms require careful attention.Leaders in AI are working to address these challenges by promoting transparent AI policies, supporting workforce reskilling programs, and developing unbiased AI models. Elon Musk has consistently warned about the dangers of unchecked AI development, calling for stronger regulations to prevent its misuse. Meanwhile, researchers at These tech leaders not only advance AI technologies but also emphasize responsible AI development, ensuring that new innovations align with ethical standards and societal needs. How AI is Transforming Industries AI and automation are reshaping MARCH 2025 | 43 www.ciobusinessworld.com

44. The Role of Tech CEOs in I businesses and industries evolve. Their leadership goes beyond running companies—they influence innovation, global markets, and even how people interact with technology daily. By setting a clear vision for technological progress, they drive digital transformation and open new opportunities for growth. forward. Musk continues to push boundaries in electric vehicles and space technology, redefining what’s possible. Pichai’s emphasis on AI and digital accessibility has shaped the evolution of online search, advertising, and cloud solutions. n today's fast-paced digital world, tech CEOs are at the forefront of shaping how maintaining security and public trust becomes crucial. Leaders in tech must navigate complex regulations while ensuring their innovations remain accessible and beneficial for society. Another critical area they influence is workforce development. These CEOs champion diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning to prepare employees for the AI-driven job market. Through mentorship programs, skill-building initiatives, and partnerships with educational institutions, they help bridge the skills gap, ensuring workers are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow. As the digital economy grows, tech CEOs will continue to shape a future centered around innovation, sustainability, and inclusive technology. Their strategic decisions will influence how businesses and societies adapt to technological advancements. Ethical AI, sustainable business models, and broader access to technology are becoming key priorities in their leadership strategies. A major part of their role is pushing forward emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Through continuous investment in research and development, they make processes more efficient, enhance decision- making with data-driven insights, and improve user experiences. These advancements help industries like healthcare, finance, and retail evolve, providing smarter solutions and more personalized services. Moreover, they play a crucial role in fostering startup ecosystems, forming strategic alliances, and driving acquisitions to support the growth of digital businesses worldwide. By backing innovative startups and establishing partnerships, they accelerate the spread of cutting-edge technology across industries and fuel further economic expansion. Ultimately, tech CEOs are more than just executives—they are architects of the digital future. By driving innovation, advocating for responsible technology, developing future talent, and building strong industry partnerships, they lead the way in transforming the global economy. Their ability to foresee changes and act decisively will define the next wave of technological progress, ensuring that digital advancements benefit society, businesses, and individuals alike. Beyond technology, tech CEOs have a hand in shaping digital policies. They work closely with governments and regulatory bodies to promote responsible tech use, focusing on issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical AI. As digital platforms expand globally, Visionary leaders like Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX), and Sundar Pichai (Google) showcase the power of tech-driven leadership. Nadella’s focus on AI and cloud computing has propelled Microsoft’s enterprise solutions 44 | MARCH 2025 www.ciobusinessworld.com

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